Boeing edges Airbus

Boeing has taken over the number one spot from Airbus after a decade of trailing its European rival. Boeing ended 2012 with 1,203 net orders, while Airbus reported 833 net orders. Still, Airbus delivered record numbers of airliners last year, 588 aircraft to 89 customers, 17 of those customers new. Boeing delivered 601 planes. (Sources: multiple, including MarketWatch, euronews, Airbus, 01/17/13) Gulf Coast note: Airbus will break ground on its A320 assembly line in Mobile, Ala., in April.